III . CHILDREN â¢ Stop the blade ( s ) when crossing gravel drives , walks , or roads . Tragic accidents can occur it the operator â¢ Stop the engine ( motor ) whenever you is not alert to the presence of children . leave the equipment , before cleaning Children are often attracted to the the mower or unclogging the chute . machine and the mowing activity . Never â¢ Shut the engine ( motor ) off and wait assume that children will remain where until the blade comes to complete stop you last saw them . before removing grass catcher . â¢ Keep children out of the trimming areaher â¢ Mow only in daylight or good artificial and under the watchful care of anot light . responsible adult . â¢ Do not operate the machine while â¢ Be alert and turn machine off if children under the influence of alcohol or drags . enter the area . â¢ Never operate machine in wet grass . â¢ Before aed white walking backwards , look behind and down for small Always be sure of your footing : keep aver firm hold on the handle and walk ; ne children . run , â¢ Never allow children to operate the â¢ Disengage the self - propel . led mecha - machine . nism or drive clutch on mowers so â¢ Use extra care when approaching blind equipped before starting the engine comers , shrubs , trees , or other objects ( motor ) . that may obscure vision . â¢ Iftheequipmentshouldstarttovibrale IV . SERVICE abnormally , stoptheengine ( motor ) â¢ Use extra care in handling gasoline and checkimmediatelyforthecause . and other fuels . They are flammable Vibratioinsgenerallay warningof and vapors are explosive . trouble . - Use only an approved container . â¢ Alwayswear safetygogglesorsafety - Never remove gas cap or add fuel glasseswithsideshleldswhen with the engine running . Allow operatingmower . engine to cool before refueling . Do II . SLOPE OPERATION not smoke . - Never refuel the machine indoors . Slopes are a major factor related to slip - Never store the machine or fuel and fall accidents which can result in containeirnsidewherethereisan severe injury . All slopes require extra openflame , suchasawaterheater , caution , If you feel uneasy on a slope , do â¢ Neverruna machineinsidea closed not mow it . area . DO : â¢ Nevermake adjustmentsorrepairswith â¢ Mow across the face of slopes : never theengine ( motor ) running . Disconnect up and down . Exercise extreme caution thesparkplugwire , and keep thewire when changing direction on slopes . away from the plug to prevent acciden - â¢ Remove obstacles such as rocks , tree tal starting . limbs , etc . â¢ Keep nuts and belts , especially blade â¢ Watch for holes , ruts , or bumps . Tall attachment bolts , tight and keep grass can hide obstacles . equipment in good condition . DO NOT : â¢ Never temper with safety devices . â¢ Do not tdm near drop - offs , ditches or Check their proper operation regularly . embankments . The operator could lose â¢ Keep machine free of grass , leaves , or footing or balance . other debds build - up . Clean oil or fuel â¢ Do not trim excess'Neiy steep slopes . spillage . Allow machine to cool before â¢ Do not mow on wet grass . Reduced stodng . footing could cause slipping . â¢ Stop and inspect the equipment if you strike an object . Repair , if necessary , before restarting . â¢ Never attempt to make wheel height adjustments while the engine ( motor ) Is runnk _ g . Page: 4

Read these instructions and this manual 3 . Remove any packing matedal from around control bar . in its entirety before you attempt to assemble or operate your new lawn Your handles may be adjusted for your mower . mowing comfort . Refer to Service and IMPORTANT : This lawn mower is Adjustments section of this manual . shipped WITHOUT OIL OR GASOLINE in the engine . Yournew lawn mower has been as - con _ ol bar sembled at the factory with the exception of those parts left unassembled for shipping purposes . All parts such as nuts , washers , belts , etc . , necessary to com - plete the assembly have been placed in the parts bag . To ensure safe and proper operation of your lawn mower , all parts and hardware you assemble must be Mowing tightened securely . Use the correct tools position as necessary to ensure proper tightness . TO REMOVE LAWN MOWER FROM CARTON Lower handle 1 . Remove loose parts included with mower . 2 . Cutdown twoend comers ofsarton and layend paneldown flat . 3 . Remove allpackingmaterialesxcept paddingbetween upperand lower Squeeze _ 1 _ . ( _ . _ Handlepin handleand paddingholdingoperator presencecontrolbartoupperhandle . 3 - Position J 4 . Rolllawnmower outofcartonand handle checkcartonthorouglfyoradditional loose parts . bracket HOWTO SET UPYOUR LAWN MOWER TO UNFOLD HANDLE IMPORTANT : Unfold handle carefully so as not to pinch or damage control cables . I . Raise lower handle section to operating positionand squeeze the bottom ends of lower handle towards each other untilthe pin in handle can TO INSTALL AI " rACHMENTS be inserted Into one of the three height adjustment holes . Your lawn mower was shipped ready to be used as a mulcher . To convert to 2 . Remove protective padding , raise upper handle section into place on bagging or discharging , see " 1 " OCON - lower handle and tighten both handle VERT MOWER " in the Operation section knobs . of this manual . 5 Page: 6

SIMPLE STEPS TO REMEMBER WHEN ADD GASOLINE CONVERTING YOUR LAWN MOWER â¢ Fill fuel tank . Use fresh , clean , regular unleaded gasoline with a minimum of FOR MULCHING - 87 octane . Do not mix oil with gasoline . 1 . Rear mulcher plug installed . Purchase fuel in quantities that can be 2 . Mulcher door closed . used within 30 days to assure fuel FOR REAR BAGGING - freshness . 1 . Rear mulcher plug removed . AWARNING : Expedanca indicates that 2 . Grass catcher instaned . alcohol blended fuels ( called gasohol or 3 . Mulcher door closed . using ethanol or methanol ) can attract moisture which leads to separation and FOR SIDE DISCHARGING - formation of acids dudng storage . Acidic 1 . Rear mulcher plug installed . gas can damage the fuel system of an 2 . Side discharge deflector installed . engine while in storage . To avoid engine problems , the fuel system should be ACAUTION : Do not run your lawn mower emptied before storage of 30 days or without rear mulcher plug in place or longer . Drain the gas tank , start the approved grass catcher in place . engine and let it run until the fuel lines Never attempt to operate the lawn mower and carburetor are empty . Use fresh fuel with the rear door removed or propped next season . See Storage Instructionsfor open . additional information . Never use engine BEFORE STARTING ENGINE or carburetor cleaner products in the fuel ADD OIL tank or permanent damage may occur . Your lawnmower is shipped without oil in A CAUTION : Fill to bottomof gas tank the engine . Engine holds 20 oz . of oil . filler neck . Do not overfill . Wipe off any For type and grade of oil to use , see spilled oil or fuel . Do not store , spillor use = ENGINE " in Maintenance section of this gasoline near an open flame . manual . 1 . Be sure lawnmower is level and area around oil fill is clean . 2 . Remove engine oil cap and fill to the tiller cap full line on the dipstick . Pour oil slowly . Do not over fill . NOTE : Allow oil to settle down into engine for accurate reading . To read proper level , tighten engine oil cap , then remove it to read the dipstick . 3 . Reinstall engine oil cap and tighten . â¢ Check oil level before each use . Add oil if needed . Fill to full line on dipstick . â¢ Change the oil after every 25 hours of operation or each season . You may Engine oilcap need to change the oil more often under dusty , dirty conditions . 9 Page: 10

MULCHING MOWlNGTIPS TO START ENGINE IMPORTANT : Forbestpedormanco , keep . NOTE : Due to protective coatings on the rnowerhousingfree of buiilt - upgrassand engine , a small amount of smoke may be trash . See " CLEANING " in1heMalr _ enance present duringthe initialuse of the sec _ onof thismanual . product and should be considered normal . â¢ The spedal multi'ring bladewil recutthe 1 . To start a cold engine , push primer grassdippingsmany _ nes aod reduce three ( 3 ) times before tryingto start . theminsizeso Jf _ tss theyfal onto the Use a firm push . This step is not lawnthey willcrmpemeintothe grassand usually necessary when starting an nctbe nctissd . Also , tbem _ ched grass engine which has already run for a few wil biodegr ' _ e claiddyto providenutrients minutes . for the lawn . Alwaysmalsh wilhyour 2 . Hold operator presence control bar highestengi _ ( blade ) speedas thiswill down to the handle and pull starter providethe best recuffingac _ onof the handle quickly . Do not allow starter blades . rope to snap back . â¢ Avoidcordngycorlawnwhanitiswst . Wet grasstendsto formdurnp _ and interferes TO STOP ENGINE withg - _ muishingaction . " l ] _ ebast _ ' _ e to â¢ To stop engine , release operator rnowyourlawn isthe earlyaffemcon . At presence control bar . thistime thegrasshas driedand the r _ vAy NOTE : In cooler weether it may be cutarea wil nctbe expoeadto the direct necessary to repeat priming steps . In sun . warmer weather over priming may cause â¢ Forbestresults , adjust ' _ e lawn mower flooding and engine will not start , if you do _ heightsothatthe lawn mower cuts flood engine , wait a few minutes before offonlythetop one - ' _ irdof the grass attempting to start and do not repeat blades , ffthe lawnb overgroy _ it _ gl be pdming steps . necsssaryto raisetbe heightof cutto MOWlNGTIPS reducepushingoffort andto keap from overk _ ding the engine and leaving â¢ Under certain conditions , such as very clumpsofm _ x _ l grass . Forextremely tall grass , it may be necessary to raise heavymldct'klrga , dusayourwidthofcut the height of cut to reduce pushing effort and to keep from overloading the by overlappingpreviouslycut path and mow dowly . engine and leaving clumps of grass clippings . It may also be necessary to â¢ Certaintypesof grassand grasscondi6ons may require that an area be mulsheda reduce ground speed and / or run thed lawn mower over the area a secon secco _ dimetocomp _ hidethe time . cippbgs . When doinga secondcut , mow acrossorperper _ oicularto thefirstcutpath . â¢ For extremely heavy cutting , reduce the â¢ _ yourcuttk _ pettem fromweek toen width of cut by overlapping previously week . Mow northto scothoneweak th cut path and mow slowly . chengeto east to west thenextweek . This â¢ For better grass bagging and most cutting conditions , the engine speed willhelp preventmarm _ gand grainingof the lawn . should be set in the fast position . â¢ Pores in cloth grass catchers tcan become filled with dirt and dus with use and catchers will collect less grass . To prevent this , regularly hose catcher off with water and let dry before using . â¢ Keep top of engine around starter clear and clean of grass clippings and chaff . This will help engine air flow and extend engine life . 10 Page: 11

5 . There are arrows embossed on both TO SHARPEN BLADE sides of the piniongear . With the NOTE : We do not recommend sharpening arrow at the top of the pinion , the blade - but if you do , be sure the blade is arrow must point towards the front of balanced . the mower . If the arrow points to the Care should be taken to keep the blade rear of the mower , tam the pinion balanced . An unbalanced blade will cause around , then assemble to mower . eventual damage to lawn mower or 6 . Place wheels back on adjuster axles . engine . 7 . Replace Iocknuts and hubcaps . â¢ , The blade can be shaqoeP . edwith a file or on a gdnding wheel . Do not attempt Incorrect to sharpen while on the mower . â¢ To check blade balance , drive a nail into a beam or wall . Leave about one Wave inch of the straight nail exposed . Place center hole of blade over the head of the nail If blade is balanced , it should remain in a horizontal position . If either pinion \ end of the blade moves downward , E - rin sharpen the heavy end untilthe blade is balanced . GRASS CATCHER Hubca Dust â¢ The grass catcher may be hosed with Cover water , but must be dry when used . Washers â¢ Check your grass catcher often for damage or deterioration . rThrough normal use it will wear . Ifcatche needs Locknut replacing , replace only with a manufac - ENGINE tursr approved replacement catcher . LUBRICA'RON Give the lawn mower model number usso _ y _ c _ = _ tydetergenotaretedw _ h when ordering . API servicedassillca _ n SF - SJ . Select DRIVE WHEELS oi's SAE viscositygrade aocordingto your Check rear drive wheels each time you expected ope _ temperature . mow to be sure they move freely . The wheels not tuming freely means trash , grass cuttings , etc . , may be inside thed drive wheel and dust cover area an must be cleaned out to free drive wheels . If necessary to clean the drive wheels , check beth rear wheels . NOTE : Althoughmul _ - vlscositdyis ( 5W30 , 1 . Remove hubcaps and Iouknuts . 10W30 etc . ) improvestarlingin coldwsather , 2 . Remove wheels from wheel adjuster these rnul _ - vlscssRoyis _ 1 rssuRb axles . incrassedoi _ r _ Kq _ n whan ussd above 3 . Remove any _ . rashor grass cuttings 32oE _ youranglne _ 1lav _ mors from inside the dustcover , pinion and / frsc _ r _ y to ovoidpossibleenginedamage or drive wheel gear teeth . from _ low on oi . 4 . if you remove the drive pinions , wipe Changethe oila _ er overy 25 hoursof clean with dry cloth . Reassemble dry . Do not lubricate . Do not use oil or opera , on orat leastance a year if thelawn rnoweris notused for 25 hoursin noe year . grease . Check 1he _ oillaval beforestar " ng NOTE : The piniongears , on both sides of the ant ; ine aed _ tar each _ e ( 5 ) hoursof the mower , are the same , howover , they cor _ xmususs . T _ htanoilplugsecurdy must be installed o0rrectly . If installed each ifme you checktheoil level incorrectly , the ddve system will not work . 13 Page: 14

Collar TO CHANGE ENGINE OIL Turn : lockwise to â¢ NOTE : Before tipping lawn mower to Clip rsmove drain oil , drain fuel tank by running engine untilfuel tank is empty . 1 . Disconnect spark plug wire from spark plug and place wire where it cannot come in contact with spark plug . 2 . Remove engine oil cap ; lay aside on a clean surface . 3 . Tip lawn mower on its side as shown and drain oil into a suitable container . Rock lawn mower back and forth to Airfilter remove any oil trapped inside of Turn engine . cognter - 4 . Wipe off any spilled oil from lawn Airfiltercover clockwise to tighten mower or side of engine . 5 . Fill engine with oil . ( See = ADD OIL " in MUFFLER the Operation section of this manual ) . Inspect and replace corroded muffler as it 6 . Reconnect spark plug wire to spark could create a fire hazard and / or damage . plug . SPARK PLUG Replace spark plugs at the beginning of each mowing season or after every 100 hours of operation , whichever occurs first . Spark plug type and gap setting areIONS " shown in " PRODUCT SPECIFICAT in Maintenance section of this manual . CLEANING IMPORI _ NT : For bestperbrmance , kBep rro _ ver housingfrae of built - upgrassand trash . Clean undemideof mower hous _ g Container aftereachuse . AIR FILTER ACAUTION : Disconnect spark plug wire from spark plug and place wire where it Your engine will not run properly and may cannot come in contact with the spark be damaged by using a dirty air filter . plug . Replace the air filter every 100 hours of â¢ Clean the underside of your lawn operation or every season , whichever mower by scraping to remove build - up occursfirst â¢ Service air cleaner more of grass and trash . often under dusty conditions . Do not wash air fDter . â¢ Clean engine often to keep trash from accumulating . A clogged engine runs TO CHANGE AIR FILTER hotter and shortens engine life . 1 . Remove the air filter by turning â¢ Keep finished surfaces and wheels free clockwise to the stop and pull away of all gasoline , oil , etc . from collar . â¢ We do not recommend using a egarden 2 . Remove filter from inside of cover . hose to clean lawn mower unless th 3 . Clean the inside of the cover and the aioctdcal system , muffler , air filter and collar to remove any dirt accumula - carburetor are covered to keep water tion . out . Water in engine can result in 4 . Insert new filter into cover â¢ shortened engine life . 5 , Put air filter cover and filter into collar aligning the tab with the slot . 6 . Push in on cover and turn counter - clockwise to tighten . 14 Page: 15

TO ASSEMBLE GRASS CATCHER _ CAUTION : Before performingany service or adjustments : 1 . Put grass catcher frame into grass bag 1 . Release control bar and stop engine . with rigidpart of beg on the bottom . Make sure the frame handle is outside 2 . Make sure the blade and all moving parts have completely stopped . of the bag top . 3 . Disconnect spark plug wire from spark 2 . Slip vinyl bindings over frame . plug and place where it cannot come NOTE : Ifvinyl bindingsare too stiff , hold in contact with plug . them in warm water for a few minutes . If bag gets wet , let it dry before using . LAWN MOWER _ , CAUTION : Do not run your lawn mower TO ADJUST cu'nlNG HEIGHT without clipping deflector or approved See ' TO ADJUST CUTTING HEIGHT " in grass catcher in place . Never attempt to the Operation section of this manual . operate the lawn mower with the rear REAR DEFLECTOR door removed or propped open . The rear deflector , attached between the rear wheels of your mower , is provided to minimize the possibilitythat objects will frame _ " - _ ' _ - J _ f _ - - _ \ \ be thrown out of the rear of the mower handle into the operator mowing position . If the deflector becomes damaged , it should be replaced . TO ADJUST HANDLE The handle on your lawn mower has three ( 3 ) height positions , adjust to heightthat suits you . â¢ Squeeze the bottom ends of lower handle towards each other untilthe pin ENGINE opening in handle can be inserted into one of ENGINE SPEED the three height adjustment holes . Yusr enginespeedhss beenfactoPjsst . Do notaitemptto rncrasseongine speedor it may resu _ in pereon _ injury , it you _ k _ e 3 - positionle hand that theengine is runningtoofastortoo slow , take yourlawn rcowerto a Seats orother bracket quarriedservicecenterfor repairand aclus _ nert CARBURETOR Yourcarburetor has a non - adjustablefixed mainjetfor rnixturecontrd . If yourenglee does nofoperate propedydueto suspected carburstorproblems , take yourlawn mower \ to a Seemor olher qualilled sswice centerfor repeirandaclustment . IMPORTANT : Nevertamperwi _ the englce governor , whlch isfactorysst for proper engmspeed . OverspeedmthgeengJ _ ahovethefactoryNg _ speedsstitngcan be dongerou _ it you tbinkthe engine - gevemed highspeedneeds acrjusHngc , ontact your nearestSears or otherqualifiedssni , ce center , which has properequ _ ' nont and axpedoncoto make any necssss _ adjustments . 15 Page: 16

Immediately prepare your lawn mower for storage at the end of the season or ifthe pin unit will not be used for 30 days or more . LAWN MOWER J When lawn mower is to be stored for a 3 - Position pedod of time , clean it thoroughly , remove handle all dirt , grease , leaves , etc . Store in a adjustment clean , dry area . bracket 1 . Clean entire lawn mower ( Seeance " CLEANING " in the Mainten section of this manual ) . 2 . Lubricate as shown in the Mainte - nance section of this manual . ENGINE 3 . Be sure that all nuts , belts , screws , and FUELSYSTEM pins are securely fastened . Inspect IMPORTANT : It is importantto prevent moving parts for damage , breakage and wear . Replace if necessary . gum deposits from forming in essential fuel system parts such as carburetor , fuel 4 . Touch up all rusted or chipped paint surfaces ; sand lightly before painting . filler , fuel hose , or tank during storage . HANDLE Also , expedance indicates that alcohol blended fuels ( called gasohol or using You san fold your lawn mower handle for ethanol or methanol ) can attract moisture storage . which leads to separation and formation 1 . Loosen the two ( 2 ) handle knobs on of acids dudng storage . Acidic gas can sides of the upper handle and allow handle to fold down to the rear . damage the fuel system of an engine while in storage . 2 . Squeeze the bottom ends of lower 1 . Drain the fuel tank . handle toward each other until pins in 2 . Start the engine and let it run until the handle clear the brackets and pivot fuel lines and carburetor are empty . entire handle assembly forward and â¢ Never use engine or carburetor cleaner allow it to rest on mower . products in the fuel tank or permanent â¢ When setting up your handle from the damage may occur . storage position , the lower handle will â¢ Use fresh fuel next season . require manually looking into the NOTE : Fuel stabilizer is an acceptable mowing position . allamative in minimizing the formation of IMPORTANT : When folding the handle fuel gum deposits during storage . Add for storage or transportation , be sure to stabilizer to gasoline in fuel tank or fold the handle as shown or you may storage container . Always follow the nmix damage the control sables . ratio found on stabilizer container . Ru engine at least 10 minutes after addingch contol bar Fold stabilizer to allow the stabilizer to rea the carburetor . Do not drain the gas tank and carburetor if using fuel stabilizer . ENGINE OIL Lower Drain oil ( with engine warm ) and replace with clean engine oil . ( See " ENGINE " in the Maintenance section of this manual ) . Fold CYLINDER backward 1 . Remove spark plug . 2 . Pour one ounce ( 29 ml ) of oil through Mowing spark plug hole into cylinder . position 3 , Pull starter handle slowly a few times to distribute oil . 164 . Replace with new spark plug . Page: 17